Most common 2004 Cadillac Deville problems
Share of the 167 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Cadillac Deville complaints by model year
Best Deville years: 2005, 2003, 2004. Years to avoid: 1997, 1998, 1996, 2000. Compare all years →
2004 Cadillac Deville recalls (1)
Electrical system › Ignition
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 23, 2014.
What 2004 Cadillac Deville owners say
Electrical system all 47 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that the front driver side power seat moved forward independently. The dealer replaced the two power seat fuses. The same day, after the repair was performed, a burning odor and smoke emitted inside of the vehicle due to an electrical short circuit within the power seat. The dealer then removed the breaker. There were no flames present. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Driving east on flamingo st, las vegas, hit dip in road, suddenly, went dead. No power, engine died, hit from behind, airbags did not deploy. Went hospital by ambulance, with neck brace, iv drip, spent one night, went doctor next day. Car taken repair shop, per geico insurance adjuster. Went to this doctor for two years, then another doctor at v.a. Hospital, to this date. Had shots to low back, neck, many chiropractor treatments, with various pills, such as oxycodone, hydocodone and other narcotics for pain. Having to shots in low back this month, 29 oct 2014. The accident was investigated by las vegas state police department. Damage to my car was over $20,000. Dollars, geico would not replace, had to sell, suffered lost after 5 months. It was never correct after accident. …
Steering all 36 →
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that while driving on a mountain at a slow speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,331.
I was accelerating onto main hi-way when steering wheel locked up and could not turn steering wheel and was almost hit by a motor home as my car went straight across hi way instead of turning which I was trying to do. Took a few tries to get vehicle safely off road as steering wheel could not be turned.called my son who brought tools to take steering column apart.when I inspected the cause, the steering wheel lock button would not disengage so had to remove steering wheel lock button from steering column. Since then the vehicle has no steering wheel lock so car can be shifted without pressing the brake at the same time but by simply moving the gear shift lever when key is in run or accessory position!
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 31 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Deville. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sun roof glass separated from the metal frame and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to roth Cadillac (5711 peach st, erie, pa 16509) and the sun roof was replaced twice with plexiglass. The contact was informed that the replacement sun roof glass could not be found. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Cadillac Deville. While the vehicle was stationary, both the rear passenger and driver side windows malfunctioned. The contact stated that the windows failed to close when prompted due to a fractured motor. The vehicle was taken to be repaired at Goodyear where the rear passenger and driver side regulators and motors were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,600. Updated 06/07/17
2004 Cadillac Deville engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Cadillac Deville a good car?
Based on 167 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Deville rates better than average: 45% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Deville at the same age. It is one of the best Deville years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Cadillac Deville?
The electrical system — 47 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the steering (36) and windows, wipers & sunroof (31).
How many recalls does the 2004 Cadillac Deville have?
There is 1 recall for the 2004 Cadillac Deville, the most recent from June 23, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Cadillac Deville?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2003 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997, 1998, 1996 and 2000. See the full Cadillac Deville years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Cadillac Deville problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 69,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.